Donna had already worked out that Rose had forgiven Alec.
"Give him a break Mum, Rose is right, he wasn't to know," she agreed.
"Yeah, I can see that," Wilf also agreed as he'd just got back. "Give him a chance Sylvia. Come on Jamie, help me put this telescope upstairs."
"He'll have to be told one day," Sylvia told him.
"Not now though Mum," Donna disagreed.
"Well, I'm off to stay in Sandbrook with Alec for a while then get Jamie sorted out," Rose told Donna. "There's something else, about the house."
"Ya not gonna sell it are ya?" Donna wanted to know.
"It doesn't feel right selling it," Sylvia told Rose.
"I know that, I told Alec the same," Rose replied.
"Rose is very concerned about it," Alec took Rose's side. "Eventually, I want her and Jamie to move with me, I'm applying for a transfer out of Sandbrook. I never wanted to be there in the first place. I may try for a London posting for six months, to get Jamie sorted so nothing will happen with the house until then."
"We tried to get ya to transfer to London before," Jackie reminded him.
"Mum, that was years ago," Rose told her. "It wasn't the same then. It wouldn't have been as easy back then."
"You never saw many Scottish policemen back then," Donna laughed. "He would have stuck out a mile."
"Exactly," Rose agreed. "That's not a bad idea Alec, then Jamie can decide what he wants to do and once he's in a college, he'll be able to transfer."
"That still leaves the house when you do move," Sylvia thought they'd forgotten.
"Well, we thought maybe you'd want to buy or rent it?" Rose asked hopefully.
"We had to move when Geoff died," Sylvia reminded Rose.
"Yeah and we got a bigger house," Donna laughed. "We'll talk about it but if you're not in a hurry?"
"No rush yet and Jackie has to decide what she wants to do," Alec replied.
"Yeah, don't leave me out," Jackie reminded them she was still there.
Alec thought as if she'd let them forget about her but said nothing.
They all said goodbye and Alec went back to pick up his things and Rose tried to get him to stay until early the next morning, forgetting what they'd arranged but Alec thinking she'd maybe done it on purpose.
"It didn't take us long to get here," Rose tried to persuade him, doing that sway of hers in front of him.
He remembered only too well how many times it had got them into trouble, how his dad had never actually caught them having sex was a miracle. Rose had a knack of pretending she was coming out of the bathroom every single time and he'd swore she'd give the game away at some point.
Maybe it was because she always looked totally innocent when she got downstairs but his dad must have suspected when they'd almost been sixteen. Maybe they wouldn't have got away with it had Rose not broken his heart and left.
"Okay, you win but I will have to leave around five," he agreed, Rose flinging her arms around his neck.
"I knew ya would. Alec, I had so much I wanted to say. How can I say how much I love you?"
"I love you too Rose, my heart always belonged to you," he admitted. "I expect that deep down, I never wanted to subject you to what Tess would have done had you shown up earlier. Trust me love, she would have made a lot of trouble for us and I may not have got promoted."
"What made her so bitter Alec?" Rose wanted to know as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"She got involved with a senior officer and had to leave," he reminded her. "So she heard about the training in Paisley and I had the misfortune to get transferred back there shortly after she was accepted. She could have had anyone she wanted but I expect she saw you as a challenge."
"She had no right Alec," Rose told him. "She took advantage of you, you didn't stand a chance against her, if ya missed me as much as I missed you?"
"Yes, I missed you," he replied, resting his chin on her head and kissing her hair. "You have no idea how guilty I felt."
Alec put the catch on the bedroom door so Jackie didn't walk in and he led her over to the bed, letting her lie down first, then he hovered over her, putting one hand up the front of her t-shirt and balancing with the other hand.
"Save the best for tonight Alec," Rose whispered to him.
They came as close as possible, Alec lying on his side and taking their t-shirts off but keeping their underwear on, then Rose lay on top of him and feeling like she used to when they were young.
"Alec, I don't ever want that feeling to go away," she told him as she sat up and he held onto her waist.
"Neither do I love. How did we ever keep quiet when I used to visit you?" he then smiled.
"Don't ask me," Rose giggled as he placed a finger under the leg of her skimpy underwear. "Geez Alec."
"Ah, that was always the best part then?" he beamed as her smiled widened.
"Tease," she replied as he pushed her over onto her back and she raised her legs.
They were only disturbed by Jackie knocking on the door just after six.
"Rose, is Alec staying or leaving?" she wanted to know.
"Mum, he's gonna leave early in the morning," Rose managed to reply without giggling.
"Fine then. I made some sandwiches if ya want some and Jamie wants to talk to his dad," Jackie told them.
"Tell him I will be down in a few minutes," Alec replied, going to place a kiss on Rose's hip.
Jackie had already guessed they were going to find it hard for Alec to go back on his own but knowing Rose, she'd be less than kind to Tess if they met for what Alec's ex had done. In her book, Tess was the lowest of the low, stealing a bloke was one thing but to take advantage of Alec missing Rose was another.
She went back downstairs and Jamie was waiting.
"He said he'd come down," Jackie told him. "Are ya still nervous?"
"Yeah, a bit. I mean I miss my other dad all the time and now I've got to get used to having another," Jamie laughed nervously.
"Well, at least he's your real father," Jackie told him. "It's not like it's some new boyfriend of ya mother's."
"I know that Gran," Jamie replied.
"He'll make allowances for it," she tried to assure him. "I've known him a long time, don't forget."
Alec heard as he entered the kitchen, leaving Rose to get dressed.
"Dad. Will you tell me about you and mum, when you were together?" Jamie asked him.
"I would love to but I have to leave in the morning," Alec told the boy. "Get your mum or your gran to tell you eh?" he suggested. "Wait until your mum comes down, you can ask us anything you want."
Alec had already decided he was going to be honest with the boy as to why James had raised him as his own. It had been Rose's decision to let James take the role and she'd made the right one as opposed to struggling as her mother had done to raise her. There was nothing wrong with struggling, it was commendable but given an alternative, Rose had every right to take it.
Jackie was pouring tea out and getting Jamie his favourite drink from the fridge as Rose entered the kitchen and she went to put her arms around Jamie then Alec.
"Aw, this is great, I love this," Rose told them cheerfully. "I can get used to this."
"I hope so," Alec agreed as she sat next to him at the table and helping herself to a sandwich. "When I get back to Sandbrook, I am going to see the chief, about taking a six month transfer, here in London. Jamie, you can enrol in college and decide what subjects you want to take, then after that, your mother and I may want to move away."
"Not to Sandbrook?" Jackie was worried.
"No, we talked about Broadchurch, it's a very special place for us both," Alec admitted. "We used to go on holiday there, it was the first place we went on our own."
"I remember she was really excited about it," Jackie laughed. "Don't know whether it was where ya were going or it was ya were going on ya own."
Everyone else laughed at the thought.
"I was extremely nervous going in the travel agents and booking," Alec had to admit. "I thought when we got there, they would turn us away."
"What for?" Jackie laughed again. "For being too young or being just the two of ya?"
"Mum!" Rose burst out laughing even more.
"Why?" Jamie asked innocently.
"In those days, it was unusual for young couples who weren't married to go on holiday together," Jackie explained to him. "They thought nothing of it."
They all talked for a while longer then Alec went to talk with Jamie for a while.
"Was there anything else you wanted to ask me?" Alec wanted to know.
"Loads," Jamie laughed. "I know they'll be plenty of time though. You don't mind it might take some time to get used to having a dad again?"
"Of course not. Take your time, I'm just glad you want to get to know me and you will have to get to know the rest of your family and Daisy. I'll make some arrangements to go visit your grandfather and your great-uncle. Get your mum to tell you about your great aunt Mary, they got on very well together, your mother was always welcome and became part of the family," Alec explained.
"What about my other grandmother?" Jamie asked innocently.
"She died just before I met your mum," Alec admitted. "My aunt helped me, she used to look after me then when I met your mum, we both used to spend holidays at my aunt's."
"Mum didn't want to leave, did she?" Jamie asked.
Alec went to sit next to him.
"She had no choice Jamie. Your gran had to leave but we did not stop seeing each other, your uncle John used to bring me down here every holiday," Alec told him. "He gave up doing what he wanted to do, I was always grateful for that."
"So can I go see them whenever I want?" Jamie asked him.
"Sure but make sure you tell your mum or your gran, don't go wandering off and worrying them eh?" Alec replied. "Done all your homework?"
"Yes, Dad," Jamie grinned as Alec ruffled his hair. "Did you mean it, about working here?"
"If it can be arranged," Alec replied. "Your mum may not be away all that long."
Rose made the most of their last night for a week, even though she didn't take any precautions, which Alec had told her not to worry about. They talked for a while afterwards, since they'd gone to bed early as Alec was leaving around five.
"Probably nothing will happen," Rose was saying as she ran her finger across his chest.
"Well, if it does, maybe it would be a good thing eh?" he replied. "I did miss out bringing up Jamie, although you did a fine job with him."
They kissed goodnight and when the alarm went off, Rose got up to see him off, making him tea and toast as he loaded his car.
"Thanks love," he told her as he sat at the table. "I will miss you next week but I need to get things sorted and so do you. I need to warn Tess once and for all that she's finished playing games. Rose, when I come back, well, I want you to think about us getting married."
"Yeah, I have thought about it Alec," she told him. "Ya already know the answer."
She saw him to the kitchen door and they kissed goodbye again, Rose watching him drive off. She was still nervous about him leaving, after James had driven off that night and she'd never seen him alive again. Alec got back to Sandbrook and drove straight to the station, going to the chief's office.
"Did I hear you correctly?" the chief asked him. "What makes you ask for a transfer to that part of London?"
"That's where she lives, I ultimately want to move to Broadchurch but we have things to sort out first," Alec admitted.
"You can only move every six months Alec," he was reminded. "I can ask the chief in Broadchurch to keep you in mind if she needs a DI, I suppose? So, what part of London are we looking at?"
"North," Alec replied, forgetting to look up where any police stations were near Rose.
The chief just laughed.
"Yes, that narrows it down Alec," he was told. "I take it you don't want Tess knowing about it?"
"I can trust you on that?" Alec asked. "I have some very strong words I need to have with my ex wife."
"Good luck with that Alec," the chief smiled.
Alec managed to go most of the day avoiding Tess but late in the afternoon, he called her into his office.
"I hope this isn't personal Alec," Tess told him.
"It concerns work," Alec replied. "I'm leaving Sandbrook, for good Tess and you are not going to try and stop me. Your tricks won't work any more."
"Oh very amusing Alec," Tess began to laugh. "You won't leave Daisy for good."
"I am going to ask her what she wants to do, she has a half brother now, she may want to spend some time with him," Alec reminded her.
"Yes, bring that into it," Tess complained. "Has she gone home then?"
"For now but she will be back unless I get a quick transfer. There is nothing to stop me moving fast, the personnel department will take care of my hotel and I have somewhere to go in London, Rose has her own house," he admitted. "We can stay in the hotel a while longer."
It wasn't ideal for them but he wasn't so bothered about it now. In London, Rose had gone to work and handed her notice in, she had some holiday time to come so she was allowed to use it. Then she called Jamie's school to make an appointment to see the head teacher.
"Are you considering taking Jamie out of school?" Rose was asked.
"What? No, well not yet," Rose replied. "I know he wants to apply for college but we might be moving away from London at some point."
"I see then? Well I can fit you in tomorrow afternoon to discuss it," she was told. "I don't think you need worry about Jamie being accepted to college, he's doing really well, you've done a fine job raising him on your own."
Rose wanted to say she'd have done better if James had still been alive or if she'd known Alec had still loved her. She cleared her things from the staffroom and went into the office.
"We'll be sorry to see you go," Graham admitted. "We can manage without you, if you'd rather take the time?"
"Yeah, thanks," Rose replied. "It worked out, when I went to see my old boyfriend. I never told anyone but he's Jamie's real father."
"Well, you certainly kept that secret," Graham smiled. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. So, you're getting back together?"
She said goodbye to everyone and went back home after calling for a few groceries.
"Rose, you're gonna drive me crazy until Alec comes back," Jackie laughed.
"Sorry," Rose smiled. "I can still hardly believe it Mum. After all this time."
"Well, you won in the end, that's the main thing. Think how that woman will feel now," Jackie replied.
Alec was about to leave, wishing he had Rose to go back to but it wouldn't be too long before he did. Tess was waiting by her car.
"So you think you won Alec?" she asked smugly.
"I have won Tess. Rose has come back to me, that's important to me," he replied. "I'm leaving here, for good just as soon as I can get away. I will make arrangements for Daisy so don't think you can win on that score Tess."
"Huh," Tess turned towards her car. "We'll see Alec. I thought you were getting the divorce papers?" she scoffed, thinking he'd been bluffing and he wouldn't go through with it.
"I drove back from London early this morning Tess, so I will be going tomorrow. Do I need to hire a divorce lawyer at the same time?" he challenged her. "Just remember, you turned to Dave before Rose came looking for me."
Tess ignored him and just got in her car. He saw she didn't look very happy so it made him smile.
"Don't think this is over Alec," she called as she opened the window.
"It is over Tess, accept it. Don't waste your time and mine delaying it. Just move on like I am going to do," he called back as he saw others coming out into the yard.
He didn't really want to engage the services of a divorce lawyer, he didn't want Rose to be caught up in it but he knew she would, if she had to. After all, they had nothing to hide, unlike Tess. Maybe a phone call to Dave's wife would be enough to get Tess to back down? On the other hand, just the threat may work. He walked towards her car as she started the engine.
"Tess, is Dave prepared to leave his wife for you?" he asked her as he leaned down.
"What has that got to do with anything?" she wanted to know.
"Oh, I think it has everything to do with things Tess. Rose is free, she was married but her husband died, some time ago so she's a widow. Think about it, if you want to contest a divorce, Dave's wife may get to know about your affair."
"You wouldn't dare Alec," Tess told him.
"Wouldn't I?" he leaned closer. "Try me, I have nothing to lose, neither does Rose and she owes you for breaking us up in the first place. Why Tess? Why did you do it? Did you see me as an easy target?" he asked her.
Dave was watching from the doorway, wondering what was going on. He decided to find out as Tess was about to reply.
"What's going on?" Dave asked Alec.
"Stay out of this Harris," Alec warned him.
"Getting tough now Hardy?" Dave scoffed. "Is he bothering you Tess?"
"Want me to call your wife Harris?" Alec pointed a finger at the annoying DS.
Dave just laughed.
"Tess tells me an old girlfriend of yours is back? Does her husband know, Hardy?"
"Dave, keep out of it," Tess warned him.
"No Tess, I don't think so," Dave still insisted.
"Dave, she's no longer married," Tess revealed. "Alec wants a divorce. If I don't give him it, he'll drag you into it, I can't drag her into it."
"Don't think this is over Hardy," Dave further warned Alec.
"Oh but it is Harris," Alec assured him. "So, you're not prepared to leave your wife for Tess then?"
"Stop it, both of you," Tess told them angrily. "Alec, it makes no difference if Dave leaves Sandra or not. You have no need to threaten anyone, I'll sign the divorce papers."
"So, you got what you wanted then?" Alec wanted her to admit that she'd used him.
"What does he mean by that?" Dave wanted to know.
"Leave it Dave, I have to get home to Daisy, I'll see you later," Tess told him. "As for you Alec, work it out."
"I already know the answer Tess. Watch out Harris, before she does the same to you," Alec warned Dave.
"Tess?" Dave called out as Tess drove off.
"You have no idea what she's capable of Harris," Alec further warned him.